Boss Glad For Gibson

Roberto Martinez believes Darron Gibson's return to the international fold can only be good for Everton.

The 25-year-old is set to play for the Republic of Ireland this week following a year-long self-imposed exile.

Gibson made his first Premier League appearance of the season at Manchester City last weekend following a knee injury and Martinez feels the tests against Germany and Kazakhstan may have come at just the right time.

The Spaniard also insists the level is one on which Gibson is better placed than ever to make an impact.

"It’s really positive because Darron – and any player – wants to represent their country," Martinez said in an exclusive interview with evertontv. "You want to play at the best level you can and I think Darron is at that moment in his career when he needs to play for his country.

"He has got a lot to offer because he is such a unique footballer in the things that he does and he’s going to be a big asset for the Irish squad.

"For us, it’s important that he gets a little bit of consistency in his work because the injury has kept him away a little bit and it is frustrating for everyone.

"The half an hour he played at the Etihad is going to help him immensely and now it’s just about making sure he can get through the demands of international football and that we have got a strong player from now until the end of the season."

Despite the defeat at Manchester City, Everton remain seventh in the Barclays Premier League table and the results of a local newspaper poll revealed on Thursday that 98 per cent of supporters feel the team has played better football since Martinez took control.

Buoyed by the evidence he is getting things right, the former Wigan chief stressed that capturing the imagination of supporters would always be among his primary objectives.

"We need to work harder to persuade the other two percent," said a smiling Martinez when asked about the survey. "It’s important that the fans are enjoying what they see because everything we do is for them.

"For me, it is very important they understand why we do things and they take the time to support the players because when you do things a little bit different and a little bit new it’s going to take time.

"We have had a very exciting start and I am very excited with the squad that we have.

"The fans will always know that everything we do is to make them proud and make them really look forward to the game because the team is going to perform in a manner that will make them proud."

Tickets for the game against Hull are now on sale. To buy click here or call 0871 663 1878.

Alternatively, visit the Park End box office at Goodison Park, Everton Two in Liverpool One or TicketQuarter in Queen Square.